In keeping with Wreaths Across America’s mission to teach the value of freedom to future generations, children played a prominent role Thursday when the organization’s caravan passed through the borough.
Hundreds of children lined the sidewalk in front of the Schuylkill Haven Area School District campus, waving American flags as Walmart tractor-trailers carrying wreaths bound for Arlington National Cemetery passed in procession.
Children in Katelyn Savitsky’s kindergarten class jumped with joy as Schuylkill Haven firetrucks blasted their air horns in recognition.
During a reverent tribute to America’s fallen heroes, a hush came over the sanctuary at St. Ambrose Roman Catholic Church as the Schuylkill Haven Area Elementary Little Hurricanes chorus, 80 voices strong, sang the national anthem. Corinne Houtz directed the chorus, and Rhonda Johnson provided guidance.
Addressing the gathering, Mayor Michael Devlin directed his comments at the Little Hurricanes.
“When you see a veteran, thank them for their service to our country,” he said. “You will be so satisfied by the expression on their face.”
Schuylkill County Commissioner Gary J. Hess, a former Schuylkill Haven mayor, took part in the event.
“We’re a very patriotic county,” he said. “We teach our children what freedom is all about.”
Jerry Bowman, Schuylkill Haven Borough Council president, waved to the passing parade on Parkway.
Leaving the Penn State Schuylkill campus shortly before noon, the caravan made its way through the borough to St. Ambrose.
About 200 people attended the service, organized by Schuylkill Haven American Legion Post 38 Auxiliary. It was the 11th year the auxiliary sponsored the service.
Cosette Pohronezny, past auxiliary president, said the Wreaths Across America caravan is the largest veterans parade in the nation. Some 2,700 communities across the U.S. will have parades like the one in Schuylkill Haven.
In all 50 states, evergreen wreaths will be laid this month to remember America’s fallen heroes, honor those serving in uniform and teaching children of the sacrifices made to keep the nation free.
The church erupted in applause when past auxiliary president Kathleen Wingle announced that wreaths will be placed on all veterans’ graves at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.
The auxiliary presented a check for $3,500 to Ron LaFlamme, director of transportation at Walmart Distribution Center in Schuylkill Highridge Business Park.
Three tractor-trailers loaded with wreaths are bound for Arlington National Cemetery, one for Long Island and one for the Flight 93 National Memorial in Somerset County.
Over the weekend, Wingle said, auxiliary members placed 30 wreaths on graves of local veterans at Indiantown Gap.
A combined color guard from Post 38 and Schuylkill Haven Vietnam Veterans Post 29 presented the colors at the front of the church.
Escorted by auxiliary members, veterans laid wreaths at the flags of each of the nation’s armed services.
They were: John Clauser, Air Force; Dave Wolfe, Army; Bruce Ernst, Marines; Tom Mihalov, Merchant Marine; and Ed Evitts and Andrew Lukach, Navy.
John R. Russell laid a wreath at the POW-MIA banner.
Kristina Miller, auxiliary president, paid tribute to service members on duty across the world.
“We honor them and their families for the sacrifices they make each day to keep our country safe from terrorism, hatred and injustice,” she said. “This year, we added a wreath to the men and women serving in the U.S. Space Force.”
The St. Ambrose choir, directed by Ron Byer, began the service with a stirring rendition of the Civil War anthem “Battle Hymn of the Republic.”
Kevin Fruchtl, pastor of St. John’s United Church of Christ in Schuylkill Haven, gave the invocation.
“Too many have given too much in the past,” he said, “for us not to build up our communities now.”
Monsignor Edward S. Zemanik, pastor at St. Ambrose, expressed the parish’s deep love for all service men and women. Thursday’s service was streamed online and can be watched at stambrosehaven.com.
In traditional fashion, the service ended with an armed salute and the sounding of taps. The St. Ambrose choir led the assembly in singing “God Bless America.”
Source: Berkshire mont
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